Craving a meal that’s both quick to make and bursting with flavor? Let me introduce you to Santa Fe Chicken! This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a healthy, delicious option that’s become a weeknight staple in my house. Seriously, after a long day, throwing this together is a breeze, and the taste? Incredible. You’ll be wanting this dish every single week!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My first taste of something resembling Santa Fe Chicken was at a tiny cafe during a road trip through New Mexico. The smoky aroma and the perfect balance of spice instantly hooked me. I spent years trying to recreate that magic in my own kitchen, tweaking and perfecting the recipe until it was just right. Now, it’s a taste of sunshine and adventure, right here at home.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Marinade/Sauce:
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind!)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn, canned or frozen
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings (optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the salsa, black beans, corn, red onion, green bell pepper, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cover the Chicken: Pour the salsa mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each breast is well coated.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Check on how dark the chicken is!
- Add Cheese (Optional): During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken if desired.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and chopped cilantro, if desired.
Santa Fe Chicken
A quick, flavorful, and healthy weeknight staple featuring chicken breasts baked in a delicious salsa, black bean, and corn mixture.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- In a bowl, combine the salsa, black beans, corn, red onion, green bell pepper, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.1 cup salsa, 1/2 cup black beans, 1/2 cup corn, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, Salt and pepper
- Pour the salsa mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each breast is well coated.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup salsa, 1/2 cup black beans, 1/2 cup corn, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, Salt and pepper
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Check on how dark the chicken is!1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken if desired.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Shredded cheddar cheese
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and chopped cilantro, if desired.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Avocado slices, Sour cream or Greek yogurt, Chopped cilantro